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Concerts & Tours Christopher O'Riley

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Dec19

Chicago

Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

From $45.00

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About Christopher O'Riley

Christopher O'Riley, born in Chicago in 1956, is a distinguished pianist renowned for seamlessly blending classical mastery with inventive interpretations of popular music. Initiating piano lessons at the tender age of four, he cultivated an early passion not only for classical repertoire but also for rock and jazz-rock fusion. This eclectic foundation was evident during his high school years when he performed alongside saxophonist Eric Kloss, signaling a lifelong dedication to crossing musical boundaries.

O'Riley refined his artistry at the New England Conservatory of Music under the mentorship of Gunther Schuller, an influential figure encouraging the fusion of jazz and classical genres. His emerging talent earned him prestigious accolades such as the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the Avery Fisher Career Grant, culminating in a debut album (1989) featuring Busoni’s demanding works like the Fantasia Contrappuntistica, which cemented his reputation within classical circles.

Perhaps most notably, O'Riley gained widespread attention as the host of NPR’s *From the Top*, where he introduced classical audiences to his nuanced piano transcriptions of Radiohead's songs. Initially presented anonymously, these subtle renditions provoked intrigue that blossomed into two acclaimed albums, "True Love Waits" (2003) and "Hold Me to This" (2005), both charting on classical crossover lists. Beyond Radiohead, his diverse discography includes tributes to Elliott Smith and Nick Drake, explorations of tango, and classical collaborations, such as the 2015 *Beethoven. Period.* project with cellist Matt Haimovitz. His recent release, "J.S. Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I" (2024), affirms his enduring commitment to classical tradition while continuing to innovate.

Through a career that bridges genres and defies expectations, Christopher O'Riley stands as one of the most adventurous and versatile pianists of his generation.

Genres

Classical